With longer days, hot temps and wanderlust brewing, now is the time to bring much-hyped FYP (“For Your Page”) recommendations IRL (“In Real Life,” but you knew that one).
Trending on TikTok, here’s what to check out on Long Island even if you aren’t a viral video whiz.
Get a legen-dairy fix at Pietro’s of East Meadow, where “TikTok has 100% brought a new wave of customers in,” said third-generation owner Lauren Maslov.
The Italian restaurant has been making their cheese pulls (i.e., pizza with luxuriantly stretchy strands of cheese) for nearly 50 years. “People see the stretch and immediately want to try it for themselves. We’ve even had guests plan their visit around it,” said Maslov.
Other spots to scope out the cheesy goodness include Tap Room, with six locations on LI, for their mozzarella sticks, and Bagel Boss in Northport for its delectable BECSPK (bacon, egg, cheese, salt, pepper, ketchup).
“Our cheese pulls have absolutely taken on a life of their own. The viral attention on platforms like TikTok has driven a noticeable increase in foot traffic among younger customers,” said Andrew Hazen, CEO of Bagel Boss.
This craze is all about holistic wellness. Lean into it by taking to the water for a paddleboard yoga class with Salty Soul Yoga, which launches from multiple locations including the Waterfront Center in Oyster Bay, Heckscher State Park, Jones Beach Field 10, Gilgo Beach and Glen Cove.
Then, keep the glow going by heading to the Weathered Barn in the seaside village of Greenport, “specializing in artisanal goods that reflect a slower, more intentional way of living,” said owner Rena Wilhelm.
Wilhelm is not on TikTok because she thinks “it has rotted the mind of society” but is happy to welcome visitors who caught wind of the store via the app.
“I’ve always believed that simplicity is the key to good skin care, especially as I embrace aging as gracefully as possible,” she said.
Another trend making waves: outdoor therapy via strolling. Some of the best places to get your stride going include Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown, Orient County Park in Orient and Smith Point County Park in Shirley.
Our top choice is Smith Point County Park, on the Fire Island barrier beach, which boasts ethereal sunsets and panoramic views of the frothy Atlantic Ocean.
One quote that made the rounds on social media from the much buzzed-about Season 3 of HBO Max’s “The White Lotus” is actor Parker Posey’s line: “I just don’t think . . . at this age I’m meant to live an uncomfortable life.”
The land of Gatsby knows how to embrace that ethos. Check out glitterati hub Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, which underwent a massive renovation this year.
Or scope out the Gold Coast mansions, such as Oheka Castle, a 127-room estate that’s now a hotel and wedding venue with a stellar restaurant.
Or, visit Sands Point Preserve, comprised of three mansions and a great spot to savor live music at Hempstead House or on the Great Lawn.
Lobsters and oysters and clams await, and all the videos of LI’s fresh catch on TikTok are sure to get your mouth watering.
On the recently unveiled Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail, the island hopes to drive business and tourism to 20 businesses on the South Shore Trail from Bay Shore to Montauk. (The North Shore Trail from Oyster Bay to Greenport is scheduled to open soon.)
“Our cuisine trails help New Yorkers and visitors alike find fresh, local products, support our farmers and producers and experience the bounty of New York State,” said Richard Ball, commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
The commish encourages “everyone to check out the trail to support our local aquaculture and fishing communities and enjoy a fresh, delicious local meal.”
Our vote is the Snapper Inn in Oakdale, which dates to 1929 and is perched beside the Connetquot River, or the Cull House in Sayville, which has live music and unique offerings like the “Trust Us Dinners.”
“Since 1977, the Cull House has been offering Long Islanders local and sustainable seafood. Now with the support of the Cornell Cooperative and the state of New York, I believe more awareness can be brought to the public,” said Cull House owner John Tomasetti. “We have great marine life on Long Island along with our famous Blue Point oysters that are sought after around the world.”